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A
BACKGROUND NOTE
DORMANT COMMISSION FOR THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, HONG KONG
1. In June 1951, at the instance of the then Governor of Hong
Kong and with the agreement of the War Office and the Chiefs of
Staff, a Dormant Commission was issued to the Commander British
Forces, Hong Kong. The Commission (a copy of which is attached),
if and when brought into operation, would appoint the Commander
British Forces as Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Colony.
It was intended for use in the event of an emergency and at a
stage when it had become clear that the situation in the Colony
was such that the Commander British Forces should assume overall
command, both civil and military. It was the intention that
when this stage had been reached the Governor should leave Hong
Kong.
2. The Commission itself provided that it would come into operation
at a time to be appointed in writing by the Commander British
Forces, after consultation with the Governor and with the prior
approval of the Secretary of State (for the Colonies).
If in
his absolute discretion the Commander British Forces was satisfied
that it would not be practicable to obtain the prior approval
of the Secretary of State, the Commission could be brought into
operation at a time to be appointed in writing by the Commander
British Forces after consultation with the Governor.
3. The Commission has never been brought into operation, but
it is still in being and the original is in the possession of
the Commander British Forces, Hong Kong.
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